2006 China Annual Middle

Author: Selected by the China Writers' Association for "Novel Selection"
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Lijiang Edition Annual Selection, an annual literary feast, originating from the unwavering quality guardianship over the past decade. "Novel Selection" was founded in 1980, with its title inscribed by Mr. Mao Dun, and is a highly influential literary journal sponsored by the China Writers' Association. It is often regarded as representing the highest achievements of contemporary Chinese fiction, with many accomplished writers gaining national and even international recognition through its promotion. The editorial philosophy can be summarized in one sentence: "walking close to the ground, staying synchronized with current life." The journal's purpose can be summarized in four sentences: "reality-oriented, humanistic sentiment, unique perspective, and Chinese style."—Answer by Du Weidong, Editor-in-Chief of "Novel Selection," to a reporter from China Writers' Network ("Novel Selection," January 2006 issue)
This authoritative literary journal, which selects outstanding short and medium-length fiction nationwide and serves as a foundation for the Lu Xun Literature Prize, has significantly enhanced the readability of its selected works since its redesign in 2006. It upholds the banner of realism, advocates "writing from the grassroots," and encourages works that are close to reality and readers, even those with profound themes. The journal has gained favor among readers.—"Literary Weekly" (October 26, 2006)
"Our Path" is a sorrowful story, but sorrow does not equate to negativity. Once again, we witness the power of realism, the power of truth, and the charm of details. It seems everything was meant to happen—under the influence of money, the wealthy abandon their conscience, while the poor lose their dignity. How tragic and terrifying this reality is. The author delves deep into the heart of life, stands close to suffering, seeking and questioning.—"Reading and Interpretation" ("Novel Selection," January 2006 issue)
Yan Gehui's novel presents a new scene. This scene does not lie in condensing war, religion, prostitutes, and the youthful awakening of teenage girls into a single church amidst flames, but in shifting the theme of hatred. She does not stop questioning the invaders but instead places them on trial. No further questioning is needed; they merely serve as a backdrop. Through Yu Mo's emotional transformation, the author deepens our understanding of the theme of hatred.—Commentary by renowned critic He Shaojun on "Thirteen Beauties of Jinling" ("Novel Selection," January 2006 issue)
Pure, licentious, heroic, cruel—the once-quiet church becomes a stage for human and beastly nature. Thirteen courtesans, seen as personifications of corruption, walk head-on into suffering and humiliation, into the baptism of blood and fire. (Yan Gehui, "Thirteen Nights of Jinling")
Under the influence of money, the wealthy abandon their conscience, while the poor lose their dignity. Migrant workers from a dilapidated village, enduring the hardships of poverty, their suffering as delicate as silk threads, their grief as sorrowful as weeping—like whips lashing our nerves. (Luo Weizhang, "Our Path")
"Evil against evil, base against base," in pursuit of that love, Erhei engages in a futile struggle against the town head and the tycoon. Erhei fights with exhaustion, even dying before he can enjoy the wealth he gains. (Zhou Jianxin, "Crabs")
A seemingly content young woman is kidnapped, and unwillingly, she and her captor are drawn into a plot as dramatic as a movie. The woman slips into the narrative, escaping the cold violence of her husband. Those who wanted to kill fail, while those who did not intend to kill become killers. Through brutality, the woman gains insight into the kindness of humanity. (Wang Manling, "Like a Movie")
The 20 works of 20 outstanding writers selected for this book—Yan Gehui, Luo Weizhang, Bei Bei, Zhou Jianxin, Jing Yongming, Jin Lu, Wang Song, He Cunzhong, and Wang Manling—cover a wide range of themes, feature compelling stories, vivid characters, and diverse narrative techniques. In their portrayal of the joys and sorrows of life and the complexities of human nature, as well as in their expression of deep humanistic concern, they all demonstrate outstanding quality and rich, brilliant artistic brilliance.
Selected by authoritative editors from the Chinese fiction world, the 2006 annual medium-length fiction is carefully chosen from over 300 stories of nearly 10 million words published in hundreds of literary journals that year. It aims to review the creative achievements of the year's medium-length fiction, fairly and objectively selecting the most representative and influential works with both ideological depth and artistic excellence.